Biography...

Rovers strengthened their defensive ranks with the signing of Matthew Kilgallon on a free transfer from Sunderland in July 2013.

The defender put pen-to-paper on a two-year deal, keeping him at Ewood Park until the summer of 2015.

A highly-rated youngster, Kilgallon started his career with Leeds United, progressing quickly through their Academy before making his debut as an 18-year-old in their 4-1 UEFA Cup win over Hapoel Tel Aviv in November 2002.

A former team-mate of Paul Robinson, the central defender would go on to become a regular in Leeds’ senior squad, making 95 appearances and scoring three goals during a five-year spell.

In January 2007, Kilgallon made the move to South Yorkshire, signing for Sheffield United in a £1.75m deal and after three successful years with the Blades, which included 126 appearances and four goals, Kilgallon joined Premier League side Sunderland in January 2010.

A regular early on in his career with the Black Cats, the former England Under-21 international increasingly found first team opportunities limited due to a succession of managerial changes and spent loan spells with Doncaster Rovers and Middlesbrough before returning to the Stadium of Light at the start of the 2011-12 season.

'Killa' impressed in his first season at Ewood Park, forming an impressive partnership with Grant Hanley in the heart of the Rovers defence as the side just missed out on a play-off place.